• You’ve been trying to learn Guitar on your own, with YouTube, and it’s not working out so well. 
   
• You’ve had private lessons in the past, but you still feel like you don’t actually understand things. You know some songs, some shapes, some licks, but you want context, you want to know how everything actually fits together, and you want the ability to come up with your own cool songs and solos, using the entire neck, and in any style. Nobody has effectively shown you how to do this. Plus, you have a feeling that you’re not really practicing the right stuff (or the right way) to make the gains that you want.

As the founder of Metal Guitar Academy, I personally select all Syndicate instructors - and also teach my own roster of private students - to ensure you get the same foundational approach. Whether you work directly with me or one of the Syndicate members, you'll get the same serious, no-shortcuts instruction that works.

First, we will teach you all of the vital foundational material that you've missed, so that the Guitar neck becomes a whole, rather than a jumble. We will also diagnose any technique problems that you're having, and prescribe solutions for overcoming them quickly.

Next (all along the way, really) we will apply your newfound knowledge and technique prowess to playing music that you enjoy. Whether it's Metal, Blues, Rock, Jazz, Classical - or any other style - you'll be able to understand how the players you love are able to put this stuff together. And, you'll be able to come up with your own stuff, too.

You will learn how to:
 

• Play faster, more cleanly, more powerfully, and more confidently

• Understand rhythm reading and notation, so that you can learn songs quickly and easily

• Build and play chords all over the neck, and know how they relate to songs and soloing

• Use scales, modes, and arpeggios to improvise, jam, and write your own riffs & songs

• Apply music theory to the Guitar (in a clear and step-by-step fashion) to unlock your potential

"A little over a year ago, I realized that I had been playing on fretboards for 30 years and still unable to navigate them fluently or reliably. That was lame, and I wanted to change it; I found Brett with a quick Google search. After explaining my goals to him and having a couple lessons - I was moving up and down the strings with a competency I hadn't ever thought I'd achieve. You can be an amazing shredder, and not necessarily be an awesome teacher. BRETT IS BOTH. For anyone "stuck" and looking to YouTube or old dusty books for help - you're wasting time. Actual person here, not a robot...whether a beginner or just need a tune up - reach out to Brett!" - Matt T.

"Brett is a great teacher and musician. I’ve been taking lessons with him for about 18 months in which my knowledge, technique, and skill in music theory and guitar are consistently increasing. Brett has been the most important resource in my guitar journey." - Joe S.

"Brett helped me connect all the dots. I am going from being nervous in situations where there wasn’t much prep time, to being able to absorb large amounts of information in a short time. I went from guessing and being right 50% of the time, to knowing where I should be 100% of the time. I feel as if I broke through barriers that most guitarists know about. The pentatonic ruts. I was looking for a quick solution, but Brett helped lay the foundation for continued growth and not just a handful of tricks." - Mitch G.

"I've been taking weekly lesson with Brett for almost a year. During that time, my playing has improved tremendously. I'm playing solos now that I used to skip because they looked intimidating. Brett breaks things down into small chunks so difficult licks become easy. He also spends time teaching his students about the guitar and he gives you music theory but he doesn't overwhelm you with it. He's super knowledgeable and super patient. He's truly a teacher. If you want to learn to play the guitar, he's the guy you want to go to." - Cance

"Brett is a great teacher. He explains all the intricacies involved in playing guitar very well. I had played on and off for a number of years but never had the right teacher. After lessons with Brett I have thoroughly improved my technique and can confidently jam all over the fretboard now. Highly recommend." - Michael G.

"I have been taking lessons with Brett for the past two years. In addition to being an amazing and talented guitar player, he is also an excellent teacher. I have a background in music after playing another instrument for many years. However, I learned so much more with Brett, especially with regards to music theory. He is professional, honest, patient, and encouraging, not to mention also very friendly. Take lessons with him today if you want to learn guitar." - Bill P.

"Brett brings the whole package together for any guitar student at any level. His teaching is done in a common sense way that enables the student to learn in stages and go as far as you want to go. A beginner can get the fundamentals under their belt and work toward mastery with Brett laying the stepping stones all the way. He isn’t just a master player or a master teacher. He is both." - Doug H.

"I've been taking lessons with Brett for nearly a year now and have been extremely pleased. He has undoubtedly helped me bring my guitar playing and knowledge of music to a new level. Brett understands what my needs are as a musician and has tailored his instruction to meet my goals. If you are looking for a guitar instructor who is knowledgeable, relatable, professional and friendly, look no further!" - Michael N.

"Brett is an amazing teacher. Very knowledgeable and makes everything easy to do. He teaches you the right way from the ground up and I have to say, I didn’t think I could really absorb musical theory and techniques but Brett makes it easy to do. I’m also using his new instruction book that he has out since lessons aren’t possible for me right now! He is excellent for the beginner and expert alike! Check him out!" - Lisa Y.

"Brett is an excellent instructor. Brett listens to me and helps me with what I want to learn not what he thinks I should learn like other guitar instructors. His knowledge of music theory and playing skills allow him to answer my questions and show me how to improve my playing and knowledge of the guitar. If you want to learn to play or improve your playing you can't go wrong taking lessons with Brett." - Mike R.

"I decided to begin my musical journey rather late in life. Fortunately, I found Brett Miller, who was ready and able to help me learn to play the guitar. He’s extremely talented, dedicated, patient and logical, with a keen eye and ear that catches nuances and questions...sometimes even before they’re asked. Since I am a seasonal traveler, we’ve easily been able to continue my lessons via Zoom. In a nutshell, Brett is an interesting character and a great teacher, regardless of your level or ability. He’s got “it.” I absolutely recommend him." - Jane K.

"As someone who decided to try and learn guitar later in life (50’s) Brett has been a fantastic teacher, he will test your knowledge of the instrument and skills and form your lessons based on what you need to know no wasted time ! He covers all the bases and will steer your instruction in the direction you wish to go, we have had lessons on songs, theory, techniques, scales, chords, rhythm and playing from the heart or “feel”. Brett will listen to any concerns or problems your having with your playing and work on fixing them with the current lesson again no time wasted." - Jeff P.

"Had no idea how I'd be received as a 70 year old female student of guitar. To my great relief and surprise, I was cordially welcomed, my goals were taken seriously, and I am learning efficiently and effectively how to navigate the fretboard with applied theory and skill building. Brett is patient, has an understanding of why certain things can be difficult and how to solve those problems. I enjoy Brett, love his approach, and trust he will help me realize my goals." - Margo M.

"Brett is an incredible teacher. I have been taking lessons with him for over 3 years now and the amount of progress I have made as a guitarist and musician in general is astounding. He is a great role model for me as a musician. I came to him looking to develop and hone my skills on electric and acoustic guitar. He highly knowledgeable and proficient in nearly every style of playing that you can think of (such as jazz, rock, metal, classical, blues, etc.) and he will provide you with a strong foundation to play anything your heart desires. His lessons are well-structured, fun, and easy-going. He is very patient with beginners and will challenge advanced players to get even better. If you are looking to master the guitar why not go to the guitar master himself?" - Nick S.

"Brett is an excellent guitar instructor as well as being a 'Shredding Jedi'. His instructional technique and patience with students (especially old ones like me!) is a gift to anyone that has him as their teacher. If you're serious about learning how to play and play RIGHT, Brett is the teacher you want to sit under. I have been taking lessons with him for just over a 2 years now and I plan to keep going and learning." - Nick L.

"Brett Miller is by far the best guitar/music instructor I have ever studied under!! I am 36 years old and have been playing guitar and bass on and off since I was in the 6th grade. I had lessons when i was in my teens and had numerous guitar teachers over the years in which I never seemed to progress or really learn anything except how to play someone else's songs. Like a lot of guitar players who love to play but aren't born with a natural gift to do so, I have to work at it in order to grasp it and the moment I stop for a period of time, I lose anything I've gained. I have spent my entire span of playing, frustrated and embarrassed. I came across Brett when a friend told me he did some research on local Guitar Teachers and was thinking of taking lessons with Brett. My initial reaction was "don't waste your money, I've probably taken lessons from them or they have no idea what they are doing and it will be a waste either way". After researching Brett myself through his Metal Guitar Academy website, I became intrigued. He described my previous experiences with guitar instruction and how frustrating it is to not understand anything. I immediately emailed him and have been taking lessons ever since. I am now 4 months into instruction and I have learned more in these past months than I have in 20 plus years. Brett is an amazing teacher and makes things very understandable. He has a way of teaching without making it complicated or confusing. Knowledge that I never thought I would retain now stays with me and I UNDERSTAND IT. I never thought I would be able to progress any further and felt I just didn't have the natural talent to accomplish learning guitar. I was wrong. Brett is by far the best instructor I've ever had the privilege to study under. If you truly want to learn how to play, there is no better teacher in my opinion." - Dom M.

"It's been over 3 years since I started taking lessons from Brett. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner. I still remember my first lesson. I was super nervous. But soon into the lesson I started to relax (Brett is extremely easy going and patient). By the time I left I was super excited from what I got just out of one lesson and what I’d be getting out of future lessons. It was a real game changer for me. Even though I set out to learn more about music theory, I quickly realized Brett is much more than a music theory teacher. He’s a complete musician (theory, technique, styles, song writing, history, recording, etc.). It’s very cool that I can bring in any question, any tune, and any musical style and know Brett will be able to help and guide me in what I need to know." - Dennis D.

"Started taking lessons with Brett about two years ago. Had no clue what I was doing and no musical talent whatsoever. I can now play songs that I have always wanted to as well as playing over backtracks. Brett’s method of teaching makes the lessons flow and you wish it wasn’t time to end the lesson. Could not think of anyone else I rather take lessons from. My wife says it actually sounds like music. Thanks for everything Brett." - Fred E.

"Brett is a fantastic teacher. His lessons are well organized and designed to work on what you need in order to get to the next level quickly. He is well versed in a multitude of techniques and can show you how to apply them to various genres of music." - Davis S.

"I made the best decision possible when I chose to take lessons with Brett. Before meeting him, we had a phone conversation and he asked some questions about my preferences and my expectations and most of my lessons revolved around the music from my favorite bands. He taught me so much regarding technique, and I realized how valuable it is having a one on one instructor. He always asks if there's something we need to spend more time reviewing at the start of each lesson...if that's the case, he will spend as much time as necessary to be certain I'm comfortable before we go on. So much of what we covered cannot be found simply relying on YouTube vid tutorials. His knowledge is outstanding as well as his patience. So many times it was as if he could read my mind, but it's actually his teaching methods from his own experience and understanding that he applies to a student perspective, and that really seems to make a difference." - Karen D.

"I have been working with Brett for over 3 years. I was self-taught until I started working with him and now realize that I was wasting my time before finding him. Brett's skills are amazing and he’s been instrumental at getting me much further along with my playing." - Michael S.

“If you’re looking for a guitar instructor you can end your search right here. I’ve been taking lessons with Brett for almost two years and he is an incredible teacher. Knowledgeable in all genres, patient, and a great communicator. Don’t be put off if Metal’s not your thing or if you feel you’re too old to be taking guitar lessons. I’m 67 and Brett is teaching me Classical guitar. I took lessons as a kid and vaguely remembered snippets of music theory and how to read standard notation. Since working with Brett my ability to read music and my technique have greatly improved. Sign up! He’s the real deal.” - Rich B.

“I've had a few teachers over the years and without doubt Brett is the best. Rather than just teach whatever he wants, he listened to me and charted a course that fit well with my skill level and goals. I also feel that Brett runs his lessons very efficiently, but the pace was entirely up to me. Some teachers spend half of the time showing off their own skills while the student is left trying to understand how it relates to them. That's not the case with Brett... he is 100% student-focused and makes sure the instruction is clear and relatable. I highly recommend Brett to students of all skill levels.” - Jeff T.

“Brett is such a great and fun guitar teacher. He provides such a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere that reignited my passion for guitar and music production. My guitar playing was dramatically improved after our first lesson and I plan on sticking with him for the foreseeable future.” - Ruddy E.

“Brett is a phenomenal guitar teacher, and one of the best teachers I've ever had for anything! My playing went from terrible with bad technique and no progress to a very solid foundation in 4 months. I went from annoying my wife when I would try to play to impressing her with songs I can play!” - Steve M.

“I'll start off by saying I seldomly write review but I felt a need to share my experience with Brett. I decided to take guitar lessons later in life and had no prior music knowledge at all. I've been taking lessons with Brett for approximately a year and he's been an amazing teacher.We have covered almost every genre of music and his knowledge music/guitar is second to none. There's been times I've been frustrated and almost ready to give up but Brett knows how to keep you calm and provides the extra motivation to keep you going. Now I'm starting to have confidence and fun while actually playing a little guitar. Brett doesn't make it fell like I'm taking a class. It's like we're in a band together and just preparing for a new show. If you're on the fence about taking classes then you should definitely contact Brett and start your musical journey. You want regret it and can't find a better music mentor.” - James F.

“Brett is the best guitar teacher I've ever had. I'd been playing for years, and I'd taken lessons with other teachers before, but I felt like my skill level had plateaued and I wasn't sure how to progress further. Brett started whipping me into shape within our first lesson, and things only got better as we went from there. After just a few months with Brett, I felt confident with advanced techniques that I had always thought were out of my reach before, and I had learned a ton of music theory, too. Bonus: he's an incredibly nice dude, and his teaching style makes lessons with him super fun. I can't recommend him enough.” - Muir F.